Causes of Tooth Loss

Causes of tooth loss may include oral disease, a misfortunate accident, malnutrition, drugs or alcohol. Whatever the cause there is a solution and we can help.

In a 2005 study of almost 1800 patients, gum disease ( periodontal diseases ) accounted for over 57% of teeth extracted by individuals over the age of 35. Periodontal diseases includes gingivitis (a mild form of gum disease where bacteria causes your gums to turn red and bleed) and periodontitis, which is an advanced form of gum disease where the the gum starts to pull away from the teeth.

Periodontal diseases can be caused by smoking (one of the most significant risk factors), but it can also be caused by diabetes, stress, medications, sickness, and hormonal changes. Some people are even more susceptible to gum disease because it runs in their family! In the United States, 46% of individuals over the age of 65 have lost 6 or more of their teeth as a result of tooth decay or gum disease.

One fifth of all adults, over the age of 65, have lost all of their natural teeth due to tooth decay or gum disease.

Diabetes is a big cause of tooth loss, and individuals with diabetes (especially type 2 diabetes) are at substantial risk of oral infections - such as gum disease. Diabetes can cause a loss of bone and connective tissue in the mouth, which results in tooth loss.

Cigarette smoking is an important cause of tooth loss. A recent study of Japanese young adults found that while about a third of individuals between the age of 20 and 39 lost at least one tooth, those who smoked were much more likely to have lost a tooth (over 40%) compared to those who never smoked (around 27%). Another recent study published last year found that secondhand smoke could also contribute to tooth loss.

Genetics are also an important cause of tooth loss, particularly in terms of how your genes impact the formation of your roots. When teeth develop, the crown (top part) of the tooth develop firsts, and the root grows out of it. It takes up to 3 years for a root to completely develop. When the root does not develop “normally” it can cause your teeth to have a less than solid foundation, which eventually lead to tooth loss.

Ironically, one important cause of tooth loss is tooth loss. If you lose one or some of your teeth your teeth can begin to shift, which can ultimately lead to the loss of other teeth. There are a number of reasons you are likely to lose at least some of your teeth during your lifetime. What ultimately matters most is that you get them replaced as quickly as possible to avoid other problems.